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Any tips on flat towing my TJ with a Class A motorhome?
- Thread starter Sandcrab
- Start date
Oh ok. I'm hooked up thru where the D rings go. I have the same brackets like you pictured,didn't put them on going to take them with me. Smitty said it is tow rated so I can pull from D rings that's where the bushings are. We will see. Thank you for all the info.
Is the looseness in the tow bar holes or the bumper mount thru bolts? it should be snug with free movement (greased up) but not loose so that you can feel the play.
Do not go cheap on the tow ball. Check it with wrench every time you stop for fuel.
Go Slow leave plenty of distance from cars ahead of you.
I would have the jeep alignment checked to make sure it pulls straight.
Double nut the bolts as a precaution.
You need to have a safety chain that is bolts to the frame of the Jeep to the RV, chaining to the towbar will not work out well if you have a problem with the tow bar coming loose.
How old are the tires on the RV? if more than 6 years old replace them.
Get AAA Premium with RV towing. If you do not have it a tow bill can cost $1000 plus.
Do not go cheap on the tow ball. Check it with wrench every time you stop for fuel.
Go Slow leave plenty of distance from cars ahead of you.
I would have the jeep alignment checked to make sure it pulls straight.
Double nut the bolts as a precaution.
You need to have a safety chain that is bolts to the frame of the Jeep to the RV, chaining to the towbar will not work out well if you have a problem with the tow bar coming loose.
How old are the tires on the RV? if more than 6 years old replace them.
Get AAA Premium with RV towing. If you do not have it a tow bill can cost $1000 plus.
Thanks for all the information.I do have new tires and rims on jeep. Tires on motorhome not that old lots of tread. I do have Good Sam's. Had to be towed in once.$1160.00. I'm glad I purchased it. Wheel bearing went out.
CowboyTJ
Member
Tires have a date code. They could be ten years old and look like new. RV's don't get as many miles put on them as cars do.
Old dry rotted tires become hard and have less traction and blow outs are common.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IK56R4A/?tag=wranglerorg-20 This is the kit I used but I don't believe it comes with the steel plates for the brake pedal, those come with the Ready Brake but you can probably call NSA and get them or just make them.
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Yes definitely look at the date code on the tires, very important.
Had a friend that bought a motorhome and headed out on a trip with us. Tires looked good, but we're old. He had two blow outs on a short trip.
Had a friend that bought a motorhome and headed out on a trip with us. Tires looked good, but we're old. He had two blow outs on a short trip.
Yes if the tires are over 6 years old even with good tread the should be replaced.
Tires age questions - iRV2 Forums
I recently bought a 2002 Born Free24 RB Motorhome in excellent condition. After getting it home I had an RV mechanic check out all systems and all he had to do was change one fuse. The tires look like
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Flying J are the best truck stops, they have RV lanes. I always look at google overhead maps to determine if I can fit into a gas station without unhooking. Bucky's work well if you can avoid the crowded weekends. I'm in the mountains, but even when in flat land. the Brake Buddy makes a bid difference in stopping distance. I consider toed brakes a must.
Here is a video of slack in hole where bushing goes. Smitty says there should be some slack,but I think it's to much.
This is the spacer Smitty sent with tow bar. I think it's to small. I found some in my metal scrap that fit the hole perfect. I feel alot better now about using the d ring holes.
Check the tow rating on that coach. Make sure it can tow more than 4000 lbs. Make a few hard stops to get an idea how quickly, or not, you can make a panic stop if you need to. Supplemental brakes on the TJ do make a difference. You can often find deals on CL or Ebay for used stuff. I have The RVi3 with built in breakaway. You'll need to install the breakaway switch on the bumper and route the cable in thru the firewall. No biggie.
Good point. Many will say 5,000 lbs but there will also be a GCVWR which may limit the towed vehicle to less depending on how much the fully loaded coach weighs. In my case my tow rating is 5,000 lbs but my GCVWR is 15,250 and loaded we weigh 11,030 leaving 4,220 for a toad. I use the CAT scale app for easy weighing.
I forgot to ask about your hitch.
What is its rating?
Welded or bolt on?
Inspect it and if bolt on on make sure the bolts are Grade 8.
What is its rating?
Welded or bolt on?
Inspect it and if bolt on on make sure the bolts are Grade 8.
I pull mine with a 26’ class A Itasca, I would definitely recommend brakes my Jeep loaded with hard top is around 5k
Is the height of the ball on your class-A within a couple of inches of the height of the bumper mounts? It should be real close, particularly if you don’t have aux brakes.
What makes it so heavy? Mine only weighs 3,700 with hard top, back seat and full tank.